United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse.
Joseph Running, age 23, was indicted on Aug. 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Dec. 19, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on Sept. 10, 2017, Running knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a woman by the use of force.
The charges are merely accusations and Running is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Running was released on bond pending trial. Trial is scheduled to begin on February 5, 2019.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
